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So, now my Choice XTRA Classic will finally cost ($1.00) more than the current XTRA package.
Could someone here please remind me what I get in Classic that is no longer in the current XTRA? If I don't want it, I just might want to save a buck going forward.

OK did some digging, and it looks like I now get but would lose Boomerang, Chiller, Sprout, and Style. Did I miss anything?
I'd most miss Boomerang and might be willing to foot the bill just for that.

...I guess it's finally time to watch a few movies and retire our old HR20-700.

If I have no interest in RSNs, can I opt out and get the lower price? (My guess is "no".) I searched the DTV web site but didn't see this addressed. I would be perfectly happy to not receive any sports channels at all.

If I have no interest in RSNs, can I opt out and get the lower price? (My guess is "no".) I searched the DTV web site but didn't see this addressed. I would be perfectly happy to not receive any sports channels at all.

Then again...some of us have no interest whatsoever in perhaps 10, 20, 30, or more of the current other channels...but we all pay for those as well.

That's just the way it works (and has for a very long time).

Perhaps if folks not happy with pricing directed their communications to the actual channel content providers (and their greed) indicating they are not happy about their growing prices each year (which get passed on through DirecTV)...the trend could be slowed.

So, now my Choice XTRA Classic will finally cost ($1.00) more than the current XTRA package.Could someone here please remind me what I get in Classic that is no longer in the current XTRA? If I don't want it, I just might want to save a buck going forward.

OK did some digging, and it looks like I now get but would lose Boomerang, Chiller, Sprout, and Style. Did I miss anything?I'd most miss Boomerang and might be willing to foot the bill just for that.

...I guess it's finally time to watch a few movies and retire our old HR20-700.

Thanks,- LoopinFool

I'm in same boat. If D* were really looking to consolidate SKU's, they could eat the extra $1 and sync the channels between XTRA and Choice XTRA classic, and eliminate the old package. Revolutionary, I know

If I have no interest in RSNs, can I opt out and get the lower price? (My guess is "no".) I searched the DTV web site but didn't see this addressed. I would be perfectly happy to not receive any sports channels at all.

No, not your local RSNs which carry sports for your market. Only the optional sports packages that carry out of market games may you elect not to receive.

There are many monsters here, but since I pay DirecTv, my frustration is directed at them.

--This is part of the problem in my opinion. Networks know this, which is why the power structure is warped. Imo, it's the providers that should have the power as they have the customer base, not the networks. Networks know there are multiple providers that customers can go too, but in most cases, not other networks they can go to, to see original programming (not counting syndication). You know what I mean.

... Perhaps if folks not happy with pricing directed their communications to the actual channel content providers (and their greed) indicating they are not happy about their growing prices each year (which get passed on through DirecTV)...the trend could be slowed.

But then the content providers will simply claim that its not about greed or trying to gouge the MSOs to be their cash cows. But that their production costs keep rising on their end.

The "greed" is everywhere putting the whole system in serious jeopardy.

If I have no interest in RSNs, can I opt out and get the lower price? (My guess is "no".) I searched the DTV web site but didn't see this addressed. I would be perfectly happy to not receive any sports channels at all.

The Entertainment package does not include the RSN's but it may not include other channels you do care about.

I do, I offer a complete and utter retraction. The imputation was totally without basis in fact, and was in no way fair comment, and was motivated purely by malice, and I deeply regret any distress that my comments may have caused you, or your family, and I hereby undertake not to repeat any such slander at any time in the future.

There are many monsters here, but since I pay DirecTv, my frustration is directed at them.

I had no intention of making this a bash against DirecTv, and I am well aware of other costs in play,but perhaps the big, bad corporation can do with a little less, especially after I read things like:

"Net income attributable to DIRECTV increased 19% to $2.61 billion in 2011"

But then someone would have to look in the mirror and ask a very difficult question, "Who is more important to me - my customers or my shareholders?

Same can be said for ESPN, local broadcast companies etc etc. Some other providers are increasing prices more than DirecTV. They have to try to please both stockholders and customers, and handle these increases. If they didn't increase this year, or increased by a lower amount, it would eventually catch up.

Only thing you can do is vote by staying or leaving, but the grass isn't always greener.

But then the content providers will simply claim that its not about greed or trying to gouge the Moss to be their cash cows. But that their production costs keep rising on their end.

The "greed" is everywhere putting the whole system in serious jeopardy.

When channel providers demand 20%, 30%, 60%, and even higher percentage price increases...while only 8% is passed on to the consumer via DirecTV...the greed location is extremely clear.

This escalating (the content provider increases) has been going on for several years, and at some point (perhaps soon)...will cause a significant number of consumers to seriously re-think their pay-TV choices and service selections.

It impacts every provider (DirecTV, Dish, cable, and even the Web-based streaming services).

So, now my Choice XTRA Classic will finally cost ($1.00) more than the current XTRA package.Could someone here please remind me what I get in Classic that is no longer in the current XTRA? If I don't want it, I just might want to save a buck going forward.

OK did some digging, and it looks like I now get but would lose Boomerang, Chiller, Sprout, and Style. Did I miss anything?I'd most miss Boomerang and might be willing to foot the bill just for that.

...I guess it's finally time to watch a few movies and retire our old HR20-700.

I don't think so. CBS Sports is in the current Choice XTRA list on the web site. NHL NET is not in my "printable current package" from My Account on the web site. Perhaps I do get that one and the list is wrong.

Don't think so. Customer who currently pay the services seperately will continue to do so, and see an difference of 2$.--Customer currently instead getting the 20$ Advanced Reciever charge (which covers all 3 services) will be seeing a 3$ increase, but in totality, both will = 23$.--It will be either HD Monthly 10$, DVR 10$ and Whole Home 3$ = 23$ or Advanced Reciever 23$. Hope that helps..

Seriously, thanks for the heads up. It's preferable to just having the bill show up in a new structure.

Just not entirely sure why the corporation didn't already let me know. But I understand that the bottom line effect is nil and I am not unhappy or surprised. And if in the end streamlining the system gains an efficiency then I'm all for it. Costs lost to inefficiency just get passed on to us.

Thank you, sir.

I believe when it happens you will see something on the bill itself in the right margin that explains the changes.

I'm in same boat. If D* were really looking to consolidate SKU's, they could eat the extra $1 and sync the channels between XTRA and Choice XTRA classic, and eliminate the old package. Revolutionary, I know

Well, actually, no because there are different numbers of subscribers on each of those packages and different programming deals tie into the number of subscribers per channel. So actually, you couldn't do that without raising costs and your prices even more. The reason why some channels are in Choice Xtra Classic and not Choice Xtra is partly due to cost. They were left in for grandfathered customers but new customers coming forward have to go to a higher tier to get those missing channels, often because they cost a lot more.